Method and system for transporting and storing multiple reagent packs and reagent packs used therein

ABSTRACT

A new method and system for transporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument is provided. The new system includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantry movably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism, wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with the reagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement of the gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one of the respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of the reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting. Methods of using the system and a novel reagent pack used in connection with the new system are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Area of the Art

[0002] The present invention relates generally to reagent handlingmethods and systems used in conjunction with immunodiagnosticinstruments, and more specifically to methods and systems fortransporting and sorting multiple reagent packs and reagent packs usedin conjunction with the systems.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Throughout this application, various references are referred towithin parentheses. Disclosures of these publications in theirentireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application tomore fully describe the state of the art to which this inventionpertains. Full bibliographic citation for these references may be foundat the end of this application, preceding the claims.

[0005] Immunodiagnostic instruments are widely used in clinicalchemistry sampling and analyzing applications, and often are involved inthe processing of multiple reagent packs for performing various assays.Many times it is required that the system be capable of receiving andstoring multiple reagent packs in a refrigerated environment in such amanner that each stored pack can be randomly accessed and brought fromstorage into a position for pipetting. It is desirable for this to beaccomplished in such a manner that requires minimal footwork and adegree of freedom.

[0006] The following references are found to be pertinent to the fieldof the present invention: U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,927, issued to Takekawa onNov. 20, 1984, disclosed a conventional automatic chemical analyzer. Itincludes a reagent delivery unit having a plurality of reagent bottlesand a syringe type dispenser for delivering given amounts of reagentsinto a plurality of empty reaction vessels set in a cassette, and areaction vessel supply unit for holding a plurality of cassettes and forsupplying successively the reaction vessels.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,752, issued to Thorne et al. on Jul. 7, 1987,disclosed a conventional automatic random access analyzer. It includesan elongate rack having a plurality of slots aligned in substantiallyparallel arrangement along the longitudinal axis of the rack forremovably positioning reagent packages, an introduction station forreceiving the plurality of reagent packages, each having a plurality ofreceptacles, a liquid transfer station for transferring the receptacles,a storage area for storing the plurality of reagent packages, and ashuttle system for transporting individual reagent packages.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,342, issued to Kelln et al. on Aug. 16, 1988,disclosed a conventional reagent handling system. It includes atransport mechanism interengageable with a coupling structure fordisposing a series of reagent containers for movement past a reagentstation.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,825, issued to Weyrauch et al. on May 24,1994, disclosed a chemical analyzer. It includes a turntable rotatablymounted about a vertical axis and having a plurality of equiangularlyspaced radial compartments for releasably mounting a plurality ofindividually disposable cuvettes, and a sample/reagent tray rotatablymounted about an axis parallel to the turntable axis.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,549, issued to Maclndoe, Jr. on Jul. 26,1994, disclosed an assay module transport apparatus for use in anautomated analytical instrument. It includes an assay module supply unitfor holding magazines with open-faced vessels, each having a layer ofmaterial covering its open face, an assay module ejector mechanismhaving a slider block and a pusher rod mounted on the leading end of theslider block for pushing an assay module from an assay module supplyunit onto an assay module receiving platform, an assay module transfermechanism for transferring the assay module from the assay modulereceiving platform to a testing system, and a cutter assembly forcutting the layer of material covering the open-faced vessels.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,272, issued to Koch et al. on Nov. 26, 1996,disclosed a reagent kit for use in an automatic analytical apparatus.The reagent kit includes a casing which has a bottom, sidewalls, aremovable lid, and at least one individually removable reagentcontainer. The lid defines at least one opening which is of sufficientdimension for circulating air through the interior of the casing andaround the reagent container.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,822, issued to Carey et al. on Mar. 11, 1997,disclosed a reagent handling system and reagent pack for keeping fluidswith or without suspensions, mixed or suspended upon rocking. Itincludes a tray for slidably retaining a plurality of reagent packslides in a side by side configuration along an axis, and an inclinationdrive and hinge mechanically connected to the tray for selectablyinclining the tray about the axis and the hinge. U.S. Pat. No.5,705,074, issued to Katzman on May 12, 1998, disclosed a reagentsegment for feeding reagent to the multiple capillaries of the automatedcapillary electrophoresis apparatus. The reagent segment has anelongated body with an elongated and continuous open trough, a drainagezone in a floor of the trough, and a fill section in the troughsufficiently wide to receive a dispenser probe.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,928, issued to Carey et al. on Aug. 4, 1998,disclosed a reagent handling system and reagent packs for keeping fluidswith or without suspensions, mixed or suspended upon rocking. Thereagent pack has mixing baffles operative to cause mixing of fluidswithin the reagent pack, where the baffles are disposed in proximity andopposing each other so that a throat region having a pair of converging,then diverging, walls is defined between a pair of baffles.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,373, issued to Hutchins et al. on Sep. 21,1999, disclosed an environmentally controlled system for processingchemical products. It includes a plurality of interchangeable unitsconnected in an array arranged to sequentially receive the products.Each unit has a work station covered by a canopy having at least oneopen end connected with an open end of an adjacent unit. Theinterconnected units form an enclosed chamber encompassing the workstations and covered by the interconnected canopies.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,214, issued to Stylli et al. on Nov. 16,1999, disclosed an automated and integrated system for rapidlyidentifying useful chemicals in liquid samples, and, more particularly,for automated screening of chemicals with biological activity in liquidsamples. The system includes at least one multi-lane sample transporterfor transporting the addressable chemical wells between the storage andthe sample distribution modules and optionally having programmablecontrol of transport of the selected addressable chemical wells. Theaddressable wells are commonly organized or integrated into a pluralityof addressable plates.

[0016] One of the disadvantages of many conventional reagenttransporting and storage systems used in conjunction with automatedchemical analyzers is that they do not provide a refrigeratedenvironment for receiving and storing multiple reagent packs in such amanner that each stored pack can be randomly accessed and brought fromthe storage position to the pipetting position. Another disadvantage ofmany conventional reagent transporting and storage systems is that theyhave only limited capacities in that they often can service only onesingle pipetter. They are unable to leave a reagent pack in a pipettingposition while moving another reagent pack to another pipetter.

[0017] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a new method and system fortransporting and sorting multiple reagent packs which can be used inconjunction with immunodiagnostic instruments and also overcome thedisadvantages of conventional systems for handling reagent packs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention is directed to a new method and system fortransporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction withan immunodiagnostic instrument, and is also directed to new reagentpacks used in conjunction with the new system.

[0019] It is one of the primary objects of the present invention toprovide a new method and system for transporting and sorting multiplereagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument,with the capacity of providing a refrigerated environment for receivingand storing multiple reagent packs in such a manner that each storedpack can be randomly accessed and brought from the storage position tothe pipetting position.

[0020] It is also a primary object of the present invention to provide anew method and system for transporting and storing multiple reagentpacks used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument, with thecapacity of servicing multiple pipetting stations by leaving one reagentpack in one pipetting station while moving another reagent pack toanother pipetting station.

[0021] It is another one of the primary objects of the present inventionto provide a new reagent pack to be used in conjunction with the newtransporting and sorting system.

[0022] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides atransporting and storing system to be used in conjunction with animmunodiagnostic instrument. The transporting and storing system of thepresent invention includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantrymovably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism,wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with thereagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement ofthe gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nesthaving a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one ofthe respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicityof compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of thereagent packs for simultaneous pipetting.

[0023] The transporting and storing system of the present invention alsoincludes at least one transport route for allowing movement of thegripper mechanism carried by the gantry for transporting the reagentpacks between the storage nest and the pipetting nest.

[0024] The transporting and storing system of the present inventionfurther includes the means for positioning and positively retaining thereagent pack by the gripper mechanism, including complementary featureson the reagent pack and the gripping jaws, for causing the reagent packto be slightly lifted up or dropped down when engaged or disengaged bythe gripping jaws and moved out or in of the storage compartment.

[0025] In addition, the transporting and storing system of the presentinvention includes the means for maintaining precise pipetting positionof the reagent pack, including spring-loaded members located in thepipetting compartment, for limiting the movement of the reagent packduring pipetting.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention provides a transportingand storing method. The method of the present invention includes thesteps of: providing a gripper mechanism having a pair of generallyoppositely disposed and synchronically movable gripping jaws, eachhaving an inner side for engagement with one of the reagent packs;mounting a gantry on a rack structure to move horizontally for carryingthe gripper mechanism, such that it is vertically movable on the gantryand horizontally moveable with the gantry; aligning a multiplicity ofstorage compartments in vertical columns and horizontal rows for storingthe reagent packs respectively; and aligning a multiplicity of pipettingcompartment in at least one horizontal row for simultaneous pipetting,while leaving at least one vertical transport route between two adjacentand spaced apart columns of the compartments for allowing the verticalmovement of the gripper mechanism, and at least one horizontal transportroute between two adjacent and spaced apart rows of the compartments forallowing the horizontal movement of the gripper mechanism carried by thegantry, for transporting the reagent packs between the storagecompartments and the pipetting compartments.

[0027] The transporting and storing method of the present invention alsoincludes the steps of moving the gripper mechanism along the at leastone vertical route and the at least one horizontal route to transportthe reagent packs between the storage compartments and the pipettingcompartments, and while leaving one of the reagent packs in a respectiveone of the pipetting compartment for pipetting, moving the grippermechanism to transport another one of the reagent packs to another oneof the pipetting compartments for simultaneous pipetting.

[0028] The transporting and storing method of the present inventionfurther includes the steps of positioning and positively retaining thereagent pack with the gripper mechanism by utilizing holes with atapered conical opening on the reagent pack and complementary conicalpins on the gripping jaws, such that the reagent packs are slightlylifted up when being moved in and out of their respective the storagecompartments to avoid direct contact therebetween, and maintainingprecise pipetting position of the reagent pack by utilizingspring-loaded v-shaped members located in the pipetting compartments forlimiting the movement of the reagent pack during pipetting.

[0029] A further aspect of the present invention provides a reagent packused in conjunction with a transporting and storing system for animmunodiagnostic instrument, where the transporting and storing systemhas a gripper mechanism with inwardly protruding pins for positioningand positively retaining the reagent pack. The reagent pack of thepresent invention has an elongated body having sufficient thickness forhaving at least one well, where the elongated body has a slim profilewith a wide middle portion, a narrow front portion with a pointed frontend, and a narrow ear portion with a rounded rear end having twogenerally opposite outer sides.

[0030] The reagent pack of the present invention also has the means forfacilitating the position and the positive retention of the reagent packby the gripper mechanism, including complementary holes on the outersides of the elongated body for engagement with the inwardly protrudingpins of the gripping mechanism of the transporting and storing system.

[0031] As explained in greater detail below, the new system of thepresent invention is well suited for receiving and storing multiplereagent packs in a refrigerated environment in such a manner that eachstored reagent pack can be randomly accessed and brought from thestorage to a pipetting position. This is accomplished in such a mannerthat requires minimal footwork and a degree of freedom.

[0032] The invention is defined in its fullest scope in the appendedclaims and is described below in its preferred embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] The above-mentioned and other features of this invention and themanner of obtaining them will become more apparent, and will be bestunderstood by reference to the following description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only atypical embodiment of the invention and do not therefore limit itsscope. They serve to add specificity and detail, in which:

[0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reagent pack and the grippermechanism of the transporting and storing system of the presentinvention, showing the alignment pins of the gripper mechanismdisengaged from the reagent pack;

[0035]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reagent pack and the grippermechanism of the transporting and storing system of the presentinvention, showing the alignment pins of the gripper mechanism engagedwith the reagent pack;

[0036]FIG. 3 is a top view of the gripper mechanism of the transportingand storing system of the present invention, showing the conical shapedalignment pins;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, the storagenest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention, showing the gripper mechanism at its initialposition;

[0038]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, the storagenest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention, showing the first step of the transporting andstoring method of the present invention where the gripper mechanismmoves in a horizontal transport route of the storage nest to a desiredcolumn of reagent packs held in the storage nest;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, the storagenest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention, showing the second step of the transporting andstoring method of the present invention where the gripper mechanismmoves in a vertical transport route of the storage nest to a desiredreagent pack held in a compartment of the storage nest;

[0040]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, the storagenest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention, showing the third step of the transporting andstoring method of the present invention where the gripper mechanismengages and lifts up the desired reagent pack from the bottom of thecompartment of the storage nest;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, the storagenest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention, showing the fourth step of the transporting andstoring method of the present invention where the gripper mechanismmoves the reagent pack out of the compartment of the storage nest;

[0042]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, the storagenest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention, showing the fifth step of the transporting andstoring method of the present invention where the gripper mechanismmoves the reagent pack to a nearby vertical transport route of thestorage nest;

[0043]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, thestorage nest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention, showing the sixth step of thetransporting and storing method of the present invention where thegripper mechanism moves the reagent pack in the vertical transport routeof the storage nest up to the horizontal transport route;

[0044]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, thestorage nest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention, showing the seventh step of thetransporting and storing method of the present invention where thegripper mechanism moves the reagent pack in the horizontal transportroute of the storage nest to a vertical transport route next to anavailable compartment of the pipetting nest;

[0045]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, thestorage nest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention, showing the eighth step of thetransporting and storing method of the present invention where thegripper mechanism moves the reagent pack in the vertical transport routenext to the available compartment of the pipetting nest to a positionclose to the available compartment of the pipetting nest;

[0046]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, thestorage nest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention, showing the ninth step of thetransporting and storing method of the present invention where thegripper mechanism moves the reagent pack horizontally into thecompartment of the pipetting nest to engage with the spring-loadedv-blocks thereof;

[0047]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, thestorage nest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention, showing the tenth step of thetransporting and storing method of the present invention where thegripper mechanism is disengaged from the reagent pack which is retainedby the spring-loaded v-blocks and settled onto the bottom of thecompartment of the pipetting nest;

[0048]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the gripper mechanism, thestorage nest and the pipetting nest of the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention, showing the eleventh step of thetransporting and storing method of the present invention where thedisengaged gripper mechanism moves vertically to a horizontal transportroute for returning to its initial position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present invention provides a new method and system fortransporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction withan immunodiagnostic instrument.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the transporting and storingsystem of the present invention includes a reagent pack 1. The reagentpack 1 has an elongated body having a sufficient thickness and a slimprofile with a wide middle portion, a narrow front portion with apointed front end, and a narrow rear portion with a rounded rear end.One or more wells are provided on the elongated body for containingreagents, samples and/or other fluids.

[0051] On the outer sides of the rear portion, a gripper mechanism 4 isprovided as part of a means for positioning of and positively retainingthe reagent pack. In a preferred embodiment, the facilitating meansincludes three conically tapered holes 2 and 3. One conically taperedhole 2 is located at one outer side of the rear portion and the othertwo conically tapered holes 3 are located at the other (substantiallyopposite) outer side of the rear portion of the reagent pack 1. In apreferred embodiment, the conically tapered holes are circular, or theycan form elongated slots, or a combination of both.

[0052] The gripper mechanism 4 of the transporting and storing system ofthe present invention may be pneumatic or another kind, and isvertically movably supported on a gantry 5, which in turn ishorizontally movably supported by a rack structure. The grippermechanism 4 includes a pair of opposite gripping jaws 15 withsynchronized motion. Of course, the motion may be accomplished byutilizing other types of arrangement and power sources which are notlimited to pneumatic power.

[0053] The complementary part of the means for positioning of andpositively retaining the reagent pack 1 is provided on the inner sidesof the gripping jaws 15. In the preferred embodiment, the complementarypart includes three conically shaped pins 6. One conically shaped pin 6is located at the inner side of one of the gripper jaws 15 forengagement with the conically tapered hole 2 of the reagent pack 1, andthe other two conically shaped pins 6 are located at the inner side ofthe opposite gripper jaw 15 for engagement with the conically taperedholes 3 of the reagent pack 1.

[0054] Of course, the holes 2 and 3 and the pins 6 of the complementarymeans for positioning and positively retaining the reagent packs by thegripper mechanism may be of other shapes, such as spherical, prismical,etc. What is important is that the entrance of the holes 2 and 3 on thereagent pack 1 are tapered (e.g., with a beveled larger opening),thereby increasing the tolerance of the gripper mechanism 4 with regardto the position of the reagent pack 1, and allowing for engagementbetween the pins 6 and the holes 2 and 3, respectively, even when thereagent pack 1 is not precisely positioned. A slightly misalignedreagent pack 1 can still be engaged by the pins 6 because the taperedrecess of the holes 2 and 3 provides an increased engagement area forthe pins 6. Once the pins 6 begin engagement with the tapered recess ofthe holes 2 and 3, the compression of the gripping jaws 15 will forcethe pins 6 to further extend into the holes 2 and 3, respectively,thereby causing the reagent pack 1 to be aligned with the grippermechanism 4. Of course, the amount of misalignment tolerable by thegripper mechanism depends on the amount of taper in the conicallytapered holes 2 and 3.

[0055] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, each pin 6 has a straightcylindrical section at its end. This feature ensures positive retentionof the reagent pack by the gripper mechanism 4 in the event that thereis a loss in the power to the system, which may result in a loss ofcompression force of the gripping jaws 15 needed for engagement of thejaws 15 with the reagent pack 1. With the cylindrical section of thepins 6 being extended into the holes 2 and 3, the reagent pack 1 will behanging on the pins 6 of the gripper mechanism, 4 even when it is notcompressed by the gripping jaws 15.

[0056] Furthermore, when the gripper mechanism 4 is engaged with thereagent pack 1, the three pins 6 define a plane which precisely orientsthe reagent pack 1 during transportation by the gantry 5 from oneposition to another.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the gripper mechanism 4 containsconically tapered holes which engage pins located on the reagent pack 1.In other respects, the operation of the gripper mechanism and reagentpack for this embodiment is the same.

[0058] The transporting and storing system of the present invention alsoincludes a multi-unit storage nest 7 having a plurality of verticallyand horizontally spaced compartments 8, each adapted to receive and holda reagent pack 1. Additionally, the system includes a pipetting nest 9also having multiple compartments 10 for positioning a reagent pack 1for pipetting. Both nests 7 and 9 are designed to hold the reagent packwithin the tolerance limits but without rigidly defining its position,as will be described in detail below.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, the storage nest 7 has a multiplicity ofcompartments 8 arranged in multiple vertical columns, where therespective compartments in the multiple columns are also aligned inhorizontal rows, thereby forming a two-dimensional matrix, such thatwhen the reagent packs 1 are held in the storage nest 7, they arealigned in vertical columns and horizontal rows. One or more empty oropen vertical “transport routes” (with no compartment) are provided toallow the gripper mechanism 4 to transport the reagent packs 1vertically within the storage nest 7 and between the storage nest 7 andthe pipetting nest 9. Similarly, one or more empty or open horizontal“transport routes” are also provided to allow the gripper mechanism 4 totransport the reagent packs 1 horizontally.

[0060] Each compartment 8 of the storage nest 7 has a flat bottom 12 andtwo substantially opposite and vertical sidewalls 13. The clearancebetween the retaining sidewalls 13 of the compartment 8 and the reagentpack 1 held therein provides limits to the horizontal motion of thereagent pack 1.

[0061] When a reagent pack 1 is sent into a compartment 8 by the grippermechanism 4, a small gap is intentionally maintained between the flatbottom 12 of the compartment 8 and the bottom of the reagent pack 1, aslong as the pins 6 of the gripper mechanism 4 are still engaged with theholes 2 and 3 of the reagent pack 1. With this arrangement, any directcontact between the flat bottom 12 of the compartment 8 and the bottomof the reagent pack 1 is avoided, as the reagent pack 1 is sent into thecompartment 8 of the storage nest 7, thereby eliminating interferencetherebetween that is a result of mechanical part tolerances.

[0062] Once the reagent pack 1 is positioned within the compartment 8between the two sidewalls 13 and above the flat bottom 12, the pins 6 ofthe gripper mechanism 1 are synchronously disengaged from the holes 2and 3 of the reagent pack 1, which allows the reagent pack 1 to dropdown the distance of the small gap and rest on the flat bottom 12 of thecompartment 8.

[0063] When the reagent pack 1 needs to be removed from the compartment8, the gripping jaws 15 of the gripper mechanism 4 are moved in to beadjacent to the rear end of the reagent pack 1 and are ready to retrievethe reagent pack 1. However, the pins 6 of the gripper mechanism 4 areintentionally positioned slightly higher than the center of the holes 2and 3 of the reagent pack 1 but still within the range of taperedopenings of the holes 2 and 3, such that when the gripping jaws 15 arecompressed, the pins 6 are engaged with and guided by the taperedsurfaces to finally align with and insert into the holes 2 and 3 and,during this process of engagement, causes the reagent pack 1 to belifted up slightly, such that the same small gap is left between thebottom of the reagent pack 1 and the flat bottom 12 of the compartment8. This arrangement prevents any direct contact between the flat bottom12 of the compartment 8 and the bottom of the reagent pack 1 and therebyeliminates any interference therebetween as the reagent pack 1 isretrieved from the compartment 8 of the storage nest 7.

[0064] The pipetting nest 9 has a multiplicity of compartments 10aligned in a horizontal row. Each compartment 10 has a spring-loadedv-block 11 for engaging the pointed front end of the reagent pack 1 forits precise positioning. This is because, during pipetting, the reagentpack 1 has to be positioned with a relatively high precision and it hasto be retained both horizontally and vertically.

[0065] When the pins 6 of the gripper mechanism 4 are engaging thereagent pack 1, the v-block 11 translates to a position defined by theretained reagent pack 1. When the pins 6 are disengaged from the reagentpack 1, the v-block 11 springs back against rigid stops, which areplaced at a distance that is slightly greater than the length of thepack 1. As a result, the reagent pack 1 moves into a position within thelimits defined by the v-block 11. The v-block 11 limits the motion ofthe reagent pack 1 when a pipetter tip is withdrawn from the pack as theelastomeric seal of the reagent pack 1 creates a drag, which tends tocause the reagent pack 1 to be lifted up. After the pipetter tip iswithdrawn, the reagent pack 1 is free to fall back down into itsposition in the compartment 10 of the pipetting nest 9, which preventsthe pipetter tip from contacting the bottom of the wells of the reagentpack 1 during future assays.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 15, the transporting and storingmethod of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0067] 1. Starting from its initial position, as shown in FIG. 4, thegantry 5 with the gripper mechanism 4 moves horizontally through ahorizontal transport route 14 a, positions itself over the desiredcolumn of reagent packs 1, and opens its gripping jaws 15, as shown inFIG. 5.

[0068] 2. The gripper mechanism 4 moves down vertically until it reachesthe desired reagent pack 1. It stops when the pins 6 of the grippingjaws 15 are positioned at approximately 0.03 inch above the center ofthe holes 2 and 3 of the reagent pack 1, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0069] 3. The gripper mechanism 4 is actuated and the gripping jaws 15move synchronously towards each other until the pins 6 are fully engagedwith the holes 2 and 3 of the reagent pack 1. As a result, the reagentpack 1 is raised an amount necessary to compensate for position errorcaused by tolerance accumulation at a position defined by the pins 6above the flat bottom 12 of the compartment 8 of the storage nest 7, asshown in FIG. 7.

[0070] 4. The gripper mechanism 4 moves vertically until the bottom ofthe reagent pack 1 is just above the sidewalls 13 of the compartment 8of the storage nest 7, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0071] 5. The gripper mechanism 4 then moves the reagent pack 1horizontally to a nearest vertical transport route 16 a, as shown inFIG. 9.

[0072] 6. The gripper mechanism 4 moves the reagent pack 1 vertically upin the vertical transport route to the horizontal transport route 14 a,as shown in FIG. 10.

[0073] 7. The gripper mechanism 4 moves the reagent pack 1 horizontallyin the horizontal row to a vertical transport route next to one of theavailable compartments 10 of the pipetting nest 9, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0074] 8. The gripper mechanism 4 moves vertically in the transportroute next to the available compartment 10 of the pipetting nest 9 untilthe bottom of the reagent pack 1 is above the bottom of the compartment10, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0075] 9. The gripper mechanism 4 moves the reagent pack 1 horizontallyinto the compartment 10 of the pipetting nest 9 and deflects thespring-loaded v-blocks 11 until the reagent pack 1 is centered in thecompartment 10 of the pipetting nest 9, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0076] 10. The gripper mechanism 4 reverses and its pins 6 disengagefrom the reagent pack 1. The v-blocks 11 return to their hard stops andalign the reagent pack 1 to its precise pipetting position. The reagentpack 1 lowers down a small distance under gravity to come to rest on thebottom of the compartment 10 of the pipetting nest, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0077] 11. The gripper mechanism 4 moves vertically down to thehorizontal transport route 14 a to return to its initial position, asshown in FIG. 15.

[0078] 12. While one reagent pack 1 is retained in one of thecompartments 10 of the pipetting nest 9 for the pipetting procedure, thegripper mechanism 4 may repeat the above steps to transport another oneof the reagent packs 1 from the storage nest 7 to another availablecompartment 10 of the pipetting nest 9 for simultaneous pipetting.

[0079] One of the novel features of the transporting and storing systemand method of the present invention is the ability to transport a singledesired pack from a storage to a pipetting position and to servicemultiple pipetting positions with a single transport system.

[0080] Another novel feature of the transporting and storing system andmethod of the present invention is the combination of the conicallytapered holes on the reagent pack and the complementary matching pins onthe gripper mechanism for positioning and positively retaining thereagent pack while transporting it from the storage position to thepipetting position.

[0081] It is to be understood that the form of the system depicted inFIGS. 1 through 15 has been chosen only for the purpose of describing aparticular embodiment and function of the invention, and that thearrangement of the invention can be addressed in various ways andincorporated in other types of devices, all of which will be evident tothose skilled in the art. It is also to be understood that theparticular arrangement of the transporting and storing system of thepresent invention may vary depending on the immunodiagnostic instrumentit is incorporated or working together with, but that the determinationof necessary variation is well within the skill in the art in view ofthe instant disclosure.

[0082] Suitable components that are commercially available would beknown to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0083] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its essential characteristics. The describedembodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative andnot as restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of the equivalence ofthe claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1-6. (Cancelled)
 7. A reagent pack used in conjunction with atransporting and storing system for an immunodiagnostic instrument, thetransporting and storing system having a gripper mechanism withoutwardly protruding pins for positioning and positively retaining thereagent pack, the reagent pack comprising: a. an elongated body havingsufficient thickness for having at least one well; b. said elongatedbody having a slim profile with a wide middle portion, a narrow frontportion with a pointed front end, and a narrow ear portion with arounded rear end having two generally opposite outer sides; c. means forfacilitating position and positive retention of said reagent pack bysaid gripper mechanism, including complementary holes on said outersides of said elongated body for engagement with said inwardlyprotruding pins of said gripping mechanism of said transporting andstoring system.
 8. The reagent pack as defined in claim 7, wherein saidcomplementary holes of said reagent pack each has a tapered conicalopening for causing said reagent pack to be slightly lifted up whenengaged by said gripping mechanism.
 9. A transporting and storing systemused in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument, comprising: a.a multiplicity of reagent packs, each pack having a body with twogenerally opposite outer sides, wherein each outer side has at least oneinwardly facing feature; b. a gantry movably mounted on a rack structurefor carrying a gripper mechanism, the gripper mechanism having a pair ofoppositely disposed gripping jaws moving synchronically toward or awayfrom each other, each gripping jaw having an inner side with at leastone outwardly facing feature, which extends toward the opposite grippingjaw, wherein each of said outwardly facing feature is complementary tosaid at least one inwardly facing feature and wherein a movement ofgripping jaws toward each other causes the outwardly facing features toengage the inwardly facing features; c. a power assembly for actuatingthe respective movement of said gantry, said gripper mechanism and saidgripping jaws; d. a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartmentsaligned in vertical columns and horizontal rows, each compartmentadapted for storing a respective one of said reagent packs; e. apipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartments aligned in at leastone horizontal row, each compartment adapted for retaining a respectiveone of said reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting; and f. at leastone transport route for allowing movement of said gripper mechanismcarried by said gantry for transporting said reagent packs between saidstorage nest and said pipetting nest.
 10. The system as defined in claim9, wherein said power assembly comprises a pneumatic power source. 11.(Canceled)
 12. The system as defined in claim 9, wherein said at leastone transport route comprises a vertical transport route located betweentwo adjacent and spaced apart columns of said compartments of saidstorage nest.
 13. The system as defined in claim 12, wherein said atleast one transport route further comprises a horizontal transport routelocated between said at least one row of said compartments of saidpipetting nest and an adjacent and spaced apart row of said compartmentsof said storage nest.
 14. (Canceled)
 15. (Canceled)
 16. A reagent packused in conjunction with a transporting and storing system for animmunodiagnostic instrument, the transporting and storing system havinga gripper mechanism with outwardly facing features for positioning andpositively retaining the reagent pack, the reagent pack comprisinginwardly facing complementary features for facilitating position andpositive retention of said reagent pack by said gripper mechanism. 17.The reagent pack as defined in claim 16, wherein said complementaryfeatures comprise conical pins and complementary tapered conical holes.18. A method for transporting and storing multiple reagent packs used inconjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument, comprising the steps.of: a. providing a gripper mechanism having a pair of oppositelydisposed gripping jaws, the gripping jaws moving synchronically towardor away from each other, each gripping jaw having an inner side with atleast one outwardly facing feature, which extends toward the oppositegripping jaw; b. mounting a gantry on a rack structure to movehorizontally for carrying said gripper mechanism such that it isvertically movable on the gantry and horizontally moveable with thegantry; c. supplying power to actuate the respective movement of saidgantry, said gripper mechanism and said gripping jaws; d. aligning amultiplicity of storage compartments in vertical columns and horizontalrows for storing said reagent packs respectively, and aligning amultiplicity of pipetting compartment in at least one horizontal row forsimultaneous pipetting; e. leaving at least one vertical transport routebetween two adjacent and spaced apart columns of said compartments forallowing the vertical movement of said gripper mechanism, and at leastone horizontal transport route between two adjacent and spaced apartrows of said compartments for allowing the horizontal movement of saidgripper mechanism carried by said gantry, for transporting said reagentpacks between said storage compartments and said pipetting compartments;f. moving said gripper mechanism along said at least one vertical routeand said at least one horizontal route to transport said reagent packsbetween said storage compartments and said pipetting compartments,wherein each pack has a body with two generally opposite outer sides andeach outer side has at least one inwardly facing feature, wherein eachof said inwardly facing feature of the pack is complementary to said atleast one outwardly facing feature of the gripping jaws; g. whileleaving one of said reagent packs in a respective one of said pipettingcompartment for pipetting, moving said gripper mechanism to transportanother one of said reagent packs to another one of said pipettingcompartments for simultaneous pipetting; and h. positioning andpositively retaining said reagent pack with said gripper mechanism bymoving said gripping jaws toward each other, whereby the outwardlyfacing features engage the inwardly facing features.
 19. The method asdefined in claim 18, further comprising the step of moving said gantryalong a horizontal direction until said gripper mechanism is alignedwith a column of said storage compartments containing a desired one ofsaid reagent packs.
 20. The method as defined in claim 18, furthercomprising the step of moving said gripper mechanism along a verticaldirection until said gripping jaws are positioned adjacent to one ofsaid storage compartments containing a desired one of said reagentpacks.
 21. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising thestep of engaging said gripping jaws to a desired one of said reagentpacks from a slightly higher elevation such that said reagent packs areslightly lift up when being engaged.
 22. The transporting and storingsystem as defined in claim 9, wherein said complementary outwardlyfacing features are pins and inwardly facing features are complementarytapered conical holes.
 23. The transporting and storing system asdefined in claim 22, wherein the pins are conical, spherical, orprismical.